Beautiful mid-century black Coral brooch with a 14k Yellow Gold pin and accents holding a natural Jadeite cabochon and 5 cultured Pearls. With a 22 mm pin, this wonderful brooch measures approximately 44 mm wide and 20 mm tall and is in excellent condition, especially for its age. Includes an independent Retail Replacement Value card dated 2021 ($699), see images for details.

Coral is a captivating organic gemstone, not a mineral, formed from the skeletal remains of tiny marine animals called coral polyps. This unique origin, derived from living organisms, places it in the same category as pearls and amber. Prized for its vibrant and warm hues, coral is most famously known for its rich red and salmon-pink varieties, often referred to as "precious coral." Other colors include white, pink (like "angel skin" coral), blue, and black. Historically, coral has been a symbol of protection, vitality, and immortality, with ancient cultures from the Romans to the Egyptians using it as a talisman to ward off evil and protect against harm. In jewelry, its opaque and often matte-to-waxy luster is polished to a high sheen, and it is frequently carved into beads, cabochons, and intricate figurines. With a relatively soft hardness of 3 to 4 on the Mohs scale, coral requires careful handling to prevent scratches and damage from chemicals and heat.

Jadeite, the rarer and more prized of the two Jade minerals, is renowned for its vibrant green hues, though it also occurs in a range of colors, including white, lavender, and black. With a hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, it's a durable gemstone, particularly known for its exceptional toughness. Highly valued in many cultures, especially in China, jadeite is often carved into intricate jewelry and ornamental objects. "Imperial jade," the finest variety, is a vivid emerald-green with a translucent quality. Its beauty and cultural significance have made Jadeite a cherished gemstone for centuries. Nephrite and Jadeite are both forms of "Jade," but they are distinct minerals with different chemical compositions and physical properties. Jadeite is generally rarer, harder, and can exhibit a wider range of vibrant colors with a more glassy luster, while Nephrite is more common, slightly softer, with a waxy or greasy luster.

Pearls, unique among gemstones, are organic creations formed within the shells of mollusks. Their soft, iridescent luster and classic beauty have captivated cultures for millennia. Composed of layers of nacre, pearls vary in shape, size, and color, with white and cream being the most traditional. With a relatively low hardness on the Mohs scale, they require gentle care. Valued for their natural elegance and timeless appeal, pearls are a symbol of purity and sophistication.